Apparel Glossary
This expanded textile glossary covers not only fabrics and fibers but also production, printing, and merchandising terms widely used in the apparel and fashion industry.
A
All-over Print
A printing technique where a design covers the entire fabric surface, edge-to-edge. Popular in streetwear and sportswear.
Appliqué
Decorative fabric shapes sewn onto a base textile. Common in couture and home décor.
B
Batik
A wax-resist dyeing technique creating unique textile patterns.
Blend
Fabric made by combining different fibers (e.g., cotton-polyester).
Brick-and-Mortar
Refers to a physical retail store, as opposed to online-only stores.
Bulk Purchasing
Buying textiles or merchandise in large quantities, usually at discounted prices.
C
Canvas
A heavy plain-weave fabric, durable and versatile.
Carding
The process of disentangling fibers before spinning.
Combed Cotton
Cotton with short fibers removed for softness and durability.
Cut-and-Sew
A custom garment production method where fabric is cut and sewn from scratch (not printed on blanks).
D
Denim
Durable cotton twill fabric, used in jeans and workwear.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing
A digital printing method where designs are printed directly onto fabric using inkjet technology. Ideal for small runs and full-color designs.
E
Elastane (Spandex/Lycra)
A stretchy synthetic fiber used in sportswear and leggings.
Embroidery
Decorative stitching technique used for branding and fashion.
Flat Embroidery
A style of embroidery where the stitches lie flat on the fabric surface.
Ecru
Fabric in its natural, unbleached color.
F
Finishing
Processes that add performance or aesthetics (e.g., waterproofing).
Flat Embroidery
Embroidery stitched flat against the surface of fabric, without raised effect.
Fulfillment
The process of storing, packing, and shipping products to customers. Often managed by third-party fulfillment centers.
G
H
Heat Transfer Printing
A process where designs are transferred onto fabric using heat and pressure. Popular for small-batch and promotional products.
Heather
Fabric with blended yarns creating subtle color variation.
I
Inventory
The stock of fabrics, garments, or merchandise held by a brand or retailer.
Interfacing
A material used to add structure inside garments.
J
Jacquard
Intricate woven fabric made on a Jacquard loom.
Jersey
A soft knit fabric used for T-shirts and casual wear.
L
Linen
A breathable natural fiber made from flax.
M
Merchandise (Merch)
Products branded and sold by a company, often including T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
The lowest production quantity a supplier will accept. Critical in apparel manufacturing.
Mercerization
A cotton treatment that improves luster and strength.
Mohair
A lustrous fiber from the Angora goat.
N
No Minimum
A production or printing option allowing orders with no minimum quantity.
P
Piqué
Textured weave used in polo shirts.
Polyester
A durable synthetic fiber, wrinkle-resistant and versatile.
Pre-Shrunk
Fabric or garments treated to reduce shrinkage after washing.
Private Label
Products manufactured by one company and sold under another brand’s label.
Puff Embroidery
Embroidery with raised foam under stitching to create a 3D effect, popular in caps and streetwear.
Puff Print
A printing technique using special ink that expands when heated, giving a raised texture.
Q
Quality Control (QC)
The inspection process ensuring consistency and defect-free products before shipping.
S
Satin
A glossy-surfaced fabric used in luxury wear.
Screen Printing
A classic method of pushing ink through a stencil mesh onto fabric. Cost-effective for bulk runs.
Sublimation Printing
A digital printing process where dye is heat-infused into polyester fabric, producing vibrant, long-lasting designs.
W
Warehousing
The storage of goods before fulfillment and distribution.
Wholesale
The sale of goods in large quantities at reduced prices, usually to retailers.
Wool
Natural fiber from sheep, known for warmth and durability.